History of Boston in Timeline

Boston, the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts, is the cultural and financial hub of New England. Covering 48.4 square miles, its population was 675,647 in 2020, ranking it as the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States, after New York City and Philadelphia. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, home to 4.9 million residents in 2023, is the largest metropolitan area in New England and the eleventh-largest in the U.S.

1901: Red Sox Founding Member of American League

In 1901, the Boston Red Sox became a founding member of the American League of Major League Baseball.

1903: First Modern World Series Game

Boston was the site of the first game of the first modern World Series in 1903, played between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1903: Team Name Speculation

Persistent reports that the team was known in 1903 as the "Boston Pilgrims" appear to be unfounded.

1906: Construction of the Longfellow Bridge in 1906

The Longfellow Bridge was built in 1906.

July 4, 1911: Record high temperature on July 4, 1911

The official temperature record reached a high of 104 °F (40 °C) on July 4, 1911.

1911: Team Name Change

The team played under the name Beaneaters until 1911.

1912: Fenway Park Built

Built in 1912, Fenway Park becomes the home of the Boston Red Sox and the oldest sports arena or stadium in active use.

1912: Opening of Fenway Park in 1912

In 1912, Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, opened.

1912: Annexation of Hyde Park in 1912

In 1912, the city of Boston annexed Hyde Park.

1912: Team Name Change

The team played under the name Braves from 1912 until they moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season.

1916: MIT Moves to Cambridge

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), originally in Boston, moved across the river to Cambridge in 1916.

December 30, 1917: Record cold daily maximum on December 30, 1917

The record cold daily maximum temperature was 2 °F (−17 °C) on December 30, 1917.

September 8, 1923: Opening of Logan International Airport on September 8, 1923

Logan International Airport opened on September 8, 1923.

1928: Opening of the Boston Garden in 1928

In 1928, the Boston Garden opened.

February 9, 1934: Record low temperature on February 9, 1934

The official temperature record reached a low of −18 °F (−28 °C) on February 9, 1934.

November 15, 1934: Kennedy Sr. speaks to the Boston Chamber of Commerce on November 15, 1934

On November 15, 1934, Kennedy Sr. addressed the Boston Chamber of Commerce, warning against fraudulent securities practices.

1952: Braves Move to Milwaukee

The team, known as the Braves, moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season.

1953: Construction of Columbia Point Public Housing Complex in 1953

The Columbia Point public housing complex, which the Columbia Point Health Center mostly served, was built in 1953.

1957: Establishment of the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 1957

In 1957, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was established to direct urban renewal projects.

1957: Lowest Temperature Reading Since 1957 on February 4, 2023

On February 4, 2023, the temperature in Boston dipped to −10 °F (−23 °C), the lowest temperature reading since 1957.

1958: BRA Initiates West End Project in 1958

In 1958, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) initiated a project to improve the historic West End neighborhood, leading to extensive demolition and displacement.

1960: Boston Patriots Founded

In 1960, the New England Patriots were founded as the Boston Patriots. They were later renamed after relocating to suburban Foxborough.

1965: Opening of the Columbia Point Health Center in 1965

In 1965, the Columbia Point Health Center, the first Community Health Center in the United States, opened in the Dorchester neighborhood.

1966: Braves Move to Atlanta

Since 1966, the team has played in Atlanta as the Atlanta Braves.

1971: Patriots Relocation

In 1971, the Boston Patriots relocated to suburban Foxborough.

1974: Conflict over desegregation busing begins in 1974

Conflict over desegregation busing began in 1974, resulting in unrest and violence around public schools throughout the mid-1970s.

August 2, 1975: Record warm daily minimum on August 2, 1975

The record warm daily minimum temperature was 83 °F (28 °C) on August 2, 1975.

1984: Redevelopment of Columbia Point Begins in 1984

From 1984 to 1990, the Columbia Point complex was redeveloped into a mixed-income residential development called Harbor Point Apartments.

1990: High Murder Rate

In 1990, Boston experienced 152 murders, resulting in a murder rate of 26.5 per 100,000 people.

1990: Rededication of the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center in 1990

In 1990, the Columbia Point Health Center was rededicated as the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center.

1991: Start of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 1991

In 1991, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the "Big Dig", began.

1991: The Improper Bostonian Published

The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, was first published in 1991.

1993: Acquisition of The Boston Globe in 1993

In 1993, The Boston Globe was acquired by The New York Times.

1999: Murder Rate Plummets

In 1999, murders in Boston dropped to 31, resulting in a murder rate of 5.26 per 100,000 people.

2000: Boston Becomes Majority Minority

In 2000, non-Hispanic Whites were 49.5% of Boston's population, marking the first time the city became majority minority.

2001: Super Bowl Win

After the 2001 season, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2001: New England Patriots Win Super Bowl

In 2001, the New England Patriots won a Super Bowl.

2003: Super Bowl Win

After the 2003 season, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2003: New England Patriots Win Super Bowl

In 2003, the New England Patriots won a Super Bowl.

2004: Super Bowl Win

After the 2004 season, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2004: Acquisition of FleetBoston Financial in 2004

In 2004, FleetBoston Financial was acquired by Bank of America.

2004: Boston Red Sox Win World Series & New England Patriots Win Super Bowl

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won a World Series and the New England Patriots won a Super Bowl.

2006: The Rainbow Times Founded

In 2006, The Rainbow Times, a minority and lesbian-owned LGBT news magazine, was founded. It is now based out of Boston and serves all of New England.

2006: Estimated White Majority

In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated non-Hispanic Whites formed a slight majority again in Boston.

2007: Commissioning of First Climate Action Plan in 2007

Boston commissioned its first climate action plan in 2007 to address carbon reduction in buildings, transportation, and energy use.

2007: Boston Red Sox Win World Series

In 2007, the Boston Red Sox won a World Series.

2007: Completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 2007

In 2007, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, was completed after many delays and cost overruns.

2008: American Community Survey

Data is from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates 2008–2012.

2008: Boston Celtics Win Championship

In 2008, the Boston Celtics won a championship.

2009: Christian Science Monitor Ends Daily Print Publication

In 2009, The Christian Science Monitor, headquartered in Boston, stopped publishing daily print editions and switched to continuous online and weekly magazine format publications.

2010: Rebound of Non-White Population

As of 2010, the non-White population in Boston rebounded, possibly due to the housing crash and efforts to increase affordable housing.

2010: Religious Denominations in Greater Boston

In 2010, the Catholic Church had the highest number of adherents in the Greater Boston area, followed by the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.

2010: Boston population increase from 2010 to 2020

In the 2020 census, Boston had a 12% population increase over 2010.

July 2011: Bluebikes Launched

In late July 2011, the bikeshare program Bluebikes, originally called Hubway, was launched in Boston.

2011: Age Demographics in 2011

In 2011, 21.9% of Boston's population was aged 19 and under, 14.3% was from 20 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% was 65 years of age or older.

2011: Demographic Composition

In 2011, African-Americans comprised 22% of Boston's population, with Irish descent being the second-largest ethnic group at 15.8%.

2011: Tourism Economy

In 2011, Boston's tourism industry saw 21.2 million visitors spending $8.3 billion.

2011: Update of Climate Action Plan in 2011

In 2011, an update to the climate action plan was released, continuing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

2011: Boston Bruins Win Championship

In 2011, the Boston Bruins won a championship.

2011: Median Household Income and Poverty Levels

In 2011, the median household income in Boston was $51,739. Significant disparities were observed in income and poverty levels among different demographics, including a racial wealth gap.

2011: Winter Snowfall in 2011-12

The winter of 2011–12 saw only 9.3 in (23.6 cm) of accumulating snow in Boston.

2012: American Community Survey

Data from the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates were used.

2012: Elizabeth Warren Elected to Senate

Democrat Elizabeth Warren was first elected to the United States Senate in 2012.

April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon Bombing on April 15, 2013

On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

2013: Ed Markey Elected to Senate

Democrat Ed Markey was elected to the United States Senate in 2013 to succeed John Kerry.

2013: NIH Grants for Research Institutions

Hospitals, universities, and research institutions in Greater Boston received more than $1.77 billion in National Institutes of Health grants in 2013.

2013: Boston's Philanthropy in 2013

In 2013, Boston households provided the highest average rate of philanthropy in the nation.

2013: Introduction of Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive in 2013

In 2013, Mayor Thomas Menino introduced the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive to reduce the cost of living in energy-efficient buildings.

2013: Resale of The Boston Globe in 2013

In 2013, The Boston Globe was resold to Boston businessman John W. Henry.

2013: Boston Red Sox Win World Series

In 2013, the Boston Red Sox won a World Series.

2013: Chinese American Population

Over 27,000 Chinese Americans made their home in Boston city proper in 2013.

2014: Super Bowl Win

After the 2014 season, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2014: Update of Climate Action Plan in 2014

In 2014, an update to the climate action plan was released, continuing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

2014: New England Patriots Win Super Bowl

In 2014, the New England Patriots won a Super Bowl.

2014: Religious Affiliation

In a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 57% of Boston's population identified as Christians, with 33% claiming no religious affiliation.

2014: International Tourism

Over 1.4 million international tourists visited Boston in 2014, with visitors from China and the United Kingdom leading.

2015: Jewish Population in Boston Metro Area

In 2015, the Boston metro area had a Jewish population of approximately 248,000.

2016: Super Bowl Win

After the 2016 season, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2016: American Community Survey

Data from the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates were used.

2016: Household Car Ownership in Boston

In 2016, 33.8 percent of Boston households lacked a car, compared with the national average of 8.7 percent. The city averaged 0.94 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.

2016: Boston's Bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics in 2016

In 2016, Boston briefly had a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics, but it was eventually dropped due to public opposition.

2016: General Electric Announces Move to Boston in 2016

In 2016, General Electric announced it would be moving its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to the Seaport District in Boston.

2016: New England Patriots Win Super Bowl

In 2016, the New England Patriots won a Super Bowl.

2017: Boston Uprising Established

In 2017, the Overwatch League's Boston Uprising was established as an Esports team. They were the first team to complete a perfect stage with 0 losses.

2018: Growth of Latin American Populations in Greater Boston

According to 2018 estimates, Greater Boston saw significant growth in its Dominican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Mexican, and Colombian populations.

2018: Super Bowl Win

After the 2018 season, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2018: Boston Red Sox Win World Series & New England Patriots Win Super Bowl

In 2018, the Boston Red Sox won a World Series and the New England Patriots won a Super Bowl.

2018: Financial Center Ranking

In the 2018 Global Financial Centres Index, Boston was ranked as the 13th-most competitive financial services center in the world and the second-most competitive in the United States.

April 2019: The Improper Bostonian Ended

The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, ended publication in April 2019.

July 21, 2019: Record warm daily minimum on July 21, 2019

The record warm daily minimum temperature was 83 °F (28 °C) on July 21, 2019.

September 2019: Launch of Boston Saves Program

In September 2019, Boston launched "Boston Saves", a program providing every kindergarten student with a savings account containing $50 for college or career training.

2019: Climate Action Plan Anticipates Sea-Level Rise in 2019

A 2019 climate action plan anticipates 2 ft (1 m) to more than 7 ft (2 m) of sea-level rise in Boston by the end of the 21st century.

2019: Update of Climate Action Plan in 2019

In 2019, an update to the climate action plan was released, continuing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

2020: Boston's Population in 2020

In 2020, the census recorded Boston's population as 675,647, making it the third-most populous city in the Northeastern United States.

March 2021: Kim Janey Becomes Acting Mayor

In March 2021, Kim Janey became the Acting Mayor of Boston following Marty Walsh's confirmation as Secretary of Labor.

November 2021: Michelle Wu Becomes Mayor

Michelle Wu became mayor of Boston in November 2021.

2021: Boston Police Department Budget

In the fiscal 2021 budget, Boston allocated $414 million to the Boston Police Department.

2022: Crime Statistics

According to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, in 2022, Boston reported 3,955 violent crimes and 11,514 property crimes.

February 4, 2023: Lowest Temperature Reading Since 1957 on February 4, 2023

On February 4, 2023, the temperature in Boston dipped to −10 °F (−23 °C), the lowest temperature reading since 1957.

2023: Boston as a Biotechnology Leader in 2023

As of 2023, Boston emerged as a global leader in higher education, research, and biotechnology, establishing itself as the world's largest biotechnology hub.

2023: Greater Boston Population in 2023

In 2023, the Greater Boston metropolitan area had a population of 4.9 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in New England. Boston emerged as the largest biotechnology hub in the world.

2024: Walk Score Ranking

As of 2024, Walk Score ranks Boston as the third most walkable U.S. city, with a Walk Score of 83, a Transit Score of 72, and a Bike Score of 69.

2024: Walter Cup Finals

During the inaugural 2024 PWHL playoffs, the Boston Fleet (then known as PWHL Boston) reached the Walter Cup finals, losing to the Minnesota Frost (PWHL Minnesota).

2024: Boston's Failed 2024 Olympic Bid

In 2016, Boston briefly shouldered a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics, but it was eventually dropped due to public opposition.

2024: Boston Celtics win NBA Championship

In 2024, the Boston Celtics won a championship.

June 24, 2025: Last 100 °F (38 °C) reading occurred on June 24, 2025

The last 100 °F (38 °C) reading occurred on June 24, 2025.

2026: Boston to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

Boston is one of eleven U.S. cities which will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with games taking place at Gillette Stadium.

2028: Los Angeles secures the right to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

In 2016, after Boston's bid was dropped, the USOC then selected Los Angeles to be the American candidate with Los Angeles ultimately securing the right to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.